BCCI rejects anti-doping clause, stands by its players

Aug 2 (PTI) Strongly backing its players, the BCCI today rejected a controversial WADA anti-doping clause which makes it mandatory for cricketers to be available for out of competition testing, raising the possibility of a fresh stand-off with the ICC.

The BCCI said it has no problem with players being tested as part of the WADA Code but it fully shares their concerns on the ‘Whereabouts Clause’, which requires them to furnish information about their location three months in advance for out of competition tests.

The decision to back the players was taken at an emergency meeting of the Working Committee which deliberated at length on the issue and wanted the ICC to re-negotiate the code with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were present in the meeting.

“We are agreeing with the dope testing code, we are only objecting to the system. The issue is out of competition testing. Our players are ready to be tested but they say they are not in a position to give their whereabouts. We back the players on this,” BCCI President Shashank Manohar told reporters here after the meeting.

“You cannot invade the privacy of individuals. I don’t know what the ICC will do. The implications of this decision would be decided after we write to the ICC. Today, it would be jumping the gun,” he added. .